NEN Gallery

Leaves and flower buds forming on Rowan. Rowan is a smooth barked tree with distinctive long paired leaves. It produces dense white flowers in May with 5 creamy white petals. In late summer it produces many bright red fruits. Of all the trees it is perhaps the most known in folklore as a tree of magic. Its red berries were sacred in many cultures. It was thought to offer protection against evil, increase psychic powers and help you distinguish friend from foe, aid recuperation, increase luck and protect from evil spirits. Scottish Highlanders sewed Rowan twigs into the lining of their clothes before going into battle. Picture take near Cople, Bedfordshire 11th April 2007.